Boom Fork Reinforcement Plate for Excavator Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implement-carrying linkage assemblies for machines like excavators face challenges with torsional loads, leading to deformation and failure, particularly at the boom nose where stress concentrations occur, and internal welds are difficult to inspect and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A boom assembly with a fork reinforcement plate connected to the inner surface of the sidewalls at the fork portion, eliminating internal welds and using external welds that are accessible for inspection and repair, and a stick assembly with reinforcement plates that distribute load stress without internal structural weldments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If internal baffle plates are welded within the box beam to enhance rigidity, then torsional rigidity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and inspection difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement function is extracted from internal components and relocated to external components. The fork reinforcement plate is positioned on the outer surface of the box beam, eliminating the need for internal baffle plates and their complex internal welding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing reinforcement plates inside the box beam structure, the invention inverts the approach by positioning the reinforcement plate externally on the outer surface, where it can provide the same structural reinforcement without the manufacturing and inspection complexities of internal placement.
2Strength
If internal baffle plates are welded within the box beam to reduce stress concentrations, then structural strength is improved, but weld inspection and repair accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement function is extracted from internal components and relocated to external components. The fork reinforcement plate is positioned on the outer surface of the box beam, eliminating the need for internal baffle plates and their complex internal welding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing reinforcement plates inside the box beam structure, the invention inverts the approach by positioning the reinforcement plate externally on the outer surface, where it can provide the same structural reinforcement without the manufacturing and inspection complexities of internal placement.
3Force
If lateral members are extended around the stick to provide structural support, then load-bearing capability is improved, but stress concentrations at junctions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fork reinforcement plate is strategically positioned at the specific location where stress concentrations occur - at the junction of the lateral members with the main boom body. This localized reinforcement provides exactly where needed without adding unnecessary material or complexity elsewhere in the structure.
4Strength
If a third member is added as an internal baffle to reduce stress at the boom nose, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement function is extracted from internal components and relocated to external components. The fork reinforcement plate is positioned on the outer surface of the box beam, eliminating the need for internal baffle plates and their complex internal welding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fork reinforcement plate is strategically positioned at the specific location where stress concentrations occur - at the junction of the lateral members with the main boom body. This localized reinforcement provides exactly where needed without adding unnecessary material or complexity elsewhere in the structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A boom for a linkage assembly of an implement system includes a boom body and a fork reinforcement plate. The boom body includes a pair of sidewalls, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The top portion and the bottom portion extend between the pair of sidewalls. The top portion and the bottom portion define a boom nose at a distal body end. The sidewalls each include a fork portion disposed at the distal body end and extending in outward relationship to the boom nose. Each fork portion defines therein a stick mounting opening. The fork reinforcement plate is connected to the inner surface of one of the pair of sidewalls at the fork portion. A proximal plate end of the fork reinforcement plate is in abutting relationship with the boom nose.